Dassault Releases SolidWorks Education Edition

By DE Editors

Dassault Systemes has released SolidWorks Education Edition 2012-2013. New enhancements include tools for mechanical design, simulation, sustainable design , and cost tracking, enabling students to experience real-life engineering situations, and to compete more effectively in today s global workplace.

In addition, Dassault Systemes provides a comprehensive SolidWorks curriculum library with more than 20 hands-on projects for students at every level and experience. The latest version of the product also integrates Facebook access within SolidWorks, making it easier to collaborate. Students can now post projects on their personal pages to share with friends, or post to the SolidWorks Facebook page to share with the larger SolidWorks community.

Sustainable design is also a focus of this year s enhancements. The updated CAD Instructor s Guide includes a chapter on sustainable design to help students analyze the future environmental impact of their designs. Qualified schools with a SolidWorks Education Edition subscription can now administer the Certified Sustainable Design Associate (CSDA) exam, in addition to the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) exam to its students. The new exam tests the fundamentals of lifecycle assessment and provides an introduction into the environmental impact of products. SolidWorks Certifications are considered a major asset in a job search because they effectively validate student expertise to prospective employers.

Other enhancements include an electronics cooling application that lets users analyze thermal simulations, helping ensure that heat doesn t melt a product s electronics; a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) application for simulating airflow; and a design costing tool that makes it possible for students to utilize their STEM competencies to evaluate material characteristics and design costs.